Supreme Court Finds UVM Doctor Not Liable

11/30/12 6:06AM

The state Supreme Court has ruled that the
director of the University of Vermont's student health center was not legally liable for the actions of a
physician assistant who improperly prescribed opiate medications to 12 students.

The Burlington Free Press reports that the
court's decision affirms a ruling by the state Medical Practice Board that
cleared Dr. Jon Porter in his oversight of a long-time physician's assistant.

Porter was accused of failing to supervise
Peter Nobes who refilled opiate prescriptions supposedly lost or stolen, and
prescribed opiate medications to students without evidence that a physical exam
or an in-person visit had occurred.

The board rejected a recommendation that
Porter be found guilty of unprofessional conduct but not face any disciplinary
action.